Macon-Bibb County, GA Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)

Article XI, Keeping of Animals, in Chapter 12 of the general Macon-Bibb County Code, defines 'fowl' in Section 12-221 to include birds of any kind other than the psittacine family, which sweeps chickens, ducks, and similar backyard poultry into the same distance rule that applies to farm animals like goats, sheep, and rabbits. Section 12-222(a) sets the baseline: every part of a property where a farm animal or fowl has access must sit at least 100 feet from the nearest property line, though that distance can shrink as long as the animal never comes within 100 feet of a neighbor's occupied dwelling or business.

Swine face a stricter 300-foot standard under Section 12-222(b), reflecting the county's judgment that hogs create more nuisance risk than a coop of hens. Beyond distance, Section 12-223 sets sanitation standards for the coop, cage, or pen itself: it must be cleaned at least once a day, sprayed monthly with a health department-approved residual insecticide, kept well-drained, and have droppings removed at least every four days by lawful means such as county collection or a permitted landfill. Section 12-224 then limits how many farm animals a household may keep: no more than one without written authorization from the board, unless the property qualifies as a bona fide farm, and even an authorized keeper must still meet the distance and sanitation rules.

Section 12-225 carves out a narrow exception for temporary displays, such as stock shows or fairs, capped at ten days, so a county fair exhibitor does not need a permanent permit.